As a general rule, if you can’t perform a yoga pose and still smile, you might be working too hard.

Pay attention to what your body is saying to you. Take note of any pain or discomfort you feel.

Also, pay attention to what your body is doing.

How firmly are your “roots”–that is, whatever parts of your body are on the ground during that pose–supporting you?

How straight is your spine?

Are you crunching your neck or shoulders?

Also, take note of any shaking or wobbling you might have in a pose. The first time you go into Plank Pose, you might not be able to hold it without your muscles shaking. But now, your Plank is as stiff as a…plank.

Paying attention to your body can help you keep track of how far you’ve come in your yoga practice.

Stay Mindful of Your Breath

The heart of yoga is tranquility.

And if you’re hyperventilating while you’re trying to stay in a headstand, that tranquility will be hard to find.

Yoga devotees practice what is called Ujjayi breathing to make the most of their yoga practice.

Ujjayi, or “victorious breath,” helps the mind relax while in a yoga pose. It also helps the body, increasing oxygen to the bloodstream and improving circulation. It can even lower your blood pressure, which reduces stress.

Ujjayi can also help create a rhythm for your yoga practice, which can help you flow between different postures.

If you are struggling to maintain your balance in a certain posture, or if you’re struggling to keep the stress of your bills out of your mind, take a moment to focus on your breath.

Breathe in and out through your nose, and let peace wash over you.

Stick To Your Routine

As hectic as our lives are, it can be hard to stay committed to a new fitness routine.

With our jobs, families, hobbies, and social obligations all fighting for time, it can be hard to make sure everything gets the time it deserves.

Many times, our practice gets left with the short end of the stick. Your yoga mat bag sits in the corner of your room or the backseat of your car.

For your yoga to be effective, create a routine that works for you.

Then stick to it. Even when it’s inconvenient.

Yoga can make a huge impact on your physical and mental wellness, but only if you stick to a routine.

Know–And Accept–Your Limits

Chances are, you’re not going to be able to go into a full split with your instructor. You might not even be able to stay balanced in Downward Facing Dog.

It’s important to treat your body’s limitations with patience and kindness.

Not only can pushing your body past its limits cause physical harm, but being hard on yourself for not being able to perform these postures perfectly goes against the tranquility at the heart of yoga.

Give yourself room to fail, and your yoga practice will be much more rewarding.

Transform Your Yoga Practice

Remember: no one becomes a master yogi overnight.

Yoga is a skill, and like every skill, it requires discipline and consistent practice.

But if you work these tips into your yoga practice, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy mind and body.